The nights may be shorter this summer season, but that certainly doesn’t make sleep any less important. And while the longer days, hotter temperatures, and more active schedules might make it harder to get some decent rest, there is plenty you can do to sleep better these summer months.

Here are our top 5 tips for better summer sleep!

1. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water during the day helps prevent snoring, dryness, and hoarseness — which can disrupt sleep and keep you from getting the rest you deserve. Likewise, avoiding or decreasing alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary foods and drinks can help you stay properly hydrated.

Dehydration can lead to (or exacerbate) conditions like sleep apnea, muscle tension or cramping, and bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding).

2. Turn out the lights

Even very small amounts of light can disrupt your sleep. Keep your room as dark as possible — even during summer nights. Consider getting blackout curtains or other heavy window coverings. Also remember to avoid alarm clock or other electronic and indicator lights, such as on a charging device or a TV even when it’s off.

And don’t forget to keep an eye on your screen usage. Ideally, turn off all TVs, computers, phones, and other devices at least an hour before bed.

3. Do some stretching

Some basic stretching can relax your muscles and ease tension, which can help improve your quality of sleep. Adding some light movement to your day can keep you limber; and a little stretching before sleep can prepare your body for a restful night.

Plus, many of the sleep-related conditions that are often associated with poor sleep can also benefit from stretching: bruxism, for one, can be eased with regular stretching for your neck and shoulders.

4. Promote relaxation

Those busy days, trips and vacations, holidays, and hectic activities can leave you feeling harried and stressed. And while you might be having fun in the sun during the day, all that hustle and bustle can make it difficult to slow down at night.

Embracing meditation, artistic pursuits, or a favorite hobby can help you wind down and sleep better all summer long.

5. Keep it cool

Hot nights may be good for long evenings hanging out in the backyard, but they’re not so great for good summer sleep. Consider losing an extra layer of blankets, turning on a ceiling fan or a portable fan, or turning down your air conditioning a notch.

Keep your cool and get restorative sleep — so you can get back to your routine during all of your summer days.

Bonus! Wear a dental guard

If your sleep is compromised by grinding your teeth, tension in your jaw, headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ or TMD), or other dental issues, you might benefit from wearing a dental guard. It can help you sleep better — and protect your teeth and jaw from bruxism or other disorders.

Look for SleepRight’s dental guards at your local CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart!